Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple

A three-year-old child is brought to the temple and left there. Not for a day — for good.

Joachim and Anna had made a vow: if God gave them a child, they would give the child back to God. When Mary turned three they kept their word. The girl was led to the Temple in procession, young maidens walking ahead with lighted candles so that she would not look back and take fright. Fifteen high steps led up to the entrance, and tradition says she climbed them by herself, with no hand to help her.

What happened next no one expected. The high priest took Mary by the hand and led her into the Holy of Holies — the inner sanctuary that by law he alone entered, once a year, with the blood of sacrifice. He could explain it only one way: God had shown it to him.

What the feast is about

The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, the greatest treasure of Israel. And into it is led the one who would herself become the dwelling place of the Uncontainable. The feast makes the point without a word of commentary: it simply shows a child on a threshold adults may not cross.

Mary remained at the temple until she came of age, studying, working with her hands, reading the Scriptures and praying. It is there that the message of the Archangel Gabriel would find her.

How it is kept

December 4 (November 21 on the old calendar), in the middle of the Nativity Fast, which is relaxed to fish for the feast. From this day the Nativity katavasia — Christ is born, give glory! — begins to be sung at matins: Christmas is first heard in church a month before it arrives.

Today is the prelude of God's good pleasure and the heralding of the salvation of mankind. In the temple of God the Virgin is presented openly, and she proclaims Christ to all. To her let us cry with a great voice: Rejoice, O fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation.